Articles... 

Below is a list of published articles from G. Kevin Totherow of Sylution Incorporated. 

Plan A DOSA HMI, Control Magazine, April 2000.   (Follow link and then search Control Magazine site on author's name.)

• This article examines the benefits of installing distributed open system architecture (DOSA) operator interfaces over traditional distributed control systems (DCS). This article was the direct result of a project managed by the author. In part, the project consisted of installing nine (9) Wonderware InTouch operator stations interfacing to a control system of eight (8) Fisher Provox integrated function controllers and six (6) PLC's.  

Viagra for the DCS, Hotlinks Magazine, Fall 2000

• This article again examines the benefits of using independent operator interfaces over proprietary control systems. This article emphasizes the extended functional life and quality of performance of the traditional distributed control system when layering tag servers and PC based operator interfaces. 

The System Decision, Control Magazine, January 2001.   (Follow link and then search Control Magazine site on author's name.)

• This article discusses purchasing systems based on the issues of plant needs and goals, support capabilities, and vendor long-term strategy rather than a comparison of system features at a snap shot of time. 

What I Wish My Control Engineer Understood, Hotlinks Magazine, January 2001

• This article discusses the changing, and often conflicting, goals and agendas of the "customers" that direct the work of engineers and the need for engineers to see the perspective and goals of production, maintenance, engineering management, and others.

 

Instrument Engineer's Handbook, Third Edition: Process Software and Digital Networks    Bela Liptak Editor-in-Chief

                   CRC Press, ISA Press,  June 2002

Mr. Totherow authored three sections in the prestigious Instrument Engineer's Handbook. The sections include: 

Section 1.1:  Auditing Existing Plants for Upgrades

• This section of the Instrument Engineer's Handbook describes auditing control and process information systems in a plant for their ability to help achieve business objectives. The section deals with obsolescence, return on investment, and extending the life-cycle of existing components.

Section 1.6:  Integration of Process Data with Maintenance Systems.

• This section of the Instrument Engineer's Handbook explores the emerging opportunities associated with integrating process data with maintenance management systems. The section clarifies the difference between maintenance management systems and condition monitoring systems which are very different but both commonly referred to as Asset Management Systems. The section discusses how and why to integrate process data into the maintenance management system.

Section 3.1:  Operator Interface Evolution

• This section of the Instrument Engineer's Handbook is a history of the CRT or GUI Operator Interface. The section explains how the operator interface evolved into the systems we see today and where it may be in the future. Engineers may find this information useful in determining the features and the graphic displays that operators need to control a process. 

Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Fourth Edition, Volume Two: Process Control and Optimization Béla G. Lipták    Lipták Associates, Stamford, Connecticut, USA

  CRC Press 2006

Section 4.17: Human-Machine Interface Evolution

• This section of the Instrument Engineer's Handbook is a history of the HMI. Updating and building upon Section 3.1 described above this section goes a little farther into the HMI as a tool. The section explains how the operator interface evolved into the systems we see today and where it may be in the future. Engineers may find this information useful in determining the features and the graphic displays that operators need to control a process.